Although in appearance the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a primitive sighthound, they have been bred to work as terriers. They flush out small prey such as rabbits from hiding places both above and below ground. Traditionally they work in tandem with the Medio, flushing out the prey for its larger ‘cousin’.

Unlike the Grande and Medio, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is starting to gain a large following as a companion. No longer seen strictly as a hunting dog it is finding homes both within and outside of Portugal's borders.​

History of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a primitive dog that has existed in Portugal for centuries. They have been bred down in size from the larger Podengo varieties, the Grande and the Medio. Their ancestors were likely first brought to the region by Phoenicians. It is unknown if any other breeds were used in the Pequeno’s development. Although it does seem probable that it was crossed with terriers at some point.